Connecticut Weighs in on a Nation Divided

Feelings over immigration policy in the U.S. has opened a chasm between white and Latino Americans, according to a new NBC/MSNBC/Telemundo poll.

It's an issue that has opened a raw nerve since Arizona enacted its anti-immigration law. The law requires police to question people about their immigration status if they have reason to suspect the person is in the country illegally.

In the poll, 70 percent of whites support the law, compared to just 31 percent of Latinos.

While it's true the debate rages loudest in border states, Connecticut has seen its share of immigration issues. In 2007, New Haven introduced an ID program, giving residents a form of identification, no matter their status as an illegal immigrant or a U.S. citizen. The program drew harsh criticism locally and from across the country.

NBC Connecticut today asked you to chime in on the immigration debate, and we've heard from people on Twitter and Facebook. The reactions have been sharp, and seem to be fairly consistent. Connor Raymond wrote us on Facebook "Everyone can come here if they want to as long as they do it legally. They're taking our jobs." Brian Cummiskey had similar sentiments on Facebook. "Arrest and deport anyone here illegally, but provide a proper channel for immigration to happen so we can collect some taxes on these workers."

An anonymous writer responded with a harsh criticism in a comment on NBCConnecicut.com. "How many American citizens are out of work because of these illegal immigrants?"

The debate isn't likely to go away anytime soon. It appears most who responded to our question feel it's a question of legality. They welcome immigrants as long as they come to the U.S. legally.

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